Question

"The air was just full of dirt coming, literally, for hundreds of miles. It sifts (gets through and into) everything. After we wash the dishes and put them away, we must wash them again before the next meal. Newspapers say the deaths of many babies and old people are attributed to breathing in so much dirt." - from the diary of Ann Low, April 1934. The above diary entry is describing the effects of what?

Answer 1

The diary entry is describing the Dust Bowl, a period characterized by severe dust storms in the 1930s, which led to widespread health issues and environmental destruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diary entry provided by the student is describing the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl, a period of severe dust storms that occurred during the 1930s in North America. The lack of crop rotation, overcultivation, drought, and high winds led to soil erosion and the formation of 'black blizzards' that spread dust for hundreds of miles. The impact of these dust storms was catastrophic, leading to dust pneumonia, widespread crop failure, and a profound change in the agricultural practices of the time.

Particulate matter such as dust and soot infiltrated homes, covered surfaces, and polluted the air, creating hazardous living conditions. The degradation of the environment was further exacerbated by inefficient urban planning and unregulated waste disposal from factories and mining operations, contributing to poor sanitation and increased susceptibility to various diseases.

These historical events highlight the consequences of environmental degradation, underscoring the importance of sustainable farming practices and the impact of human activity on public health and environmental stability.